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Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income

Many people in the United States count on Social Security when they become disabled or can no longer work. Unfortunately, like many other government programs, Social Security Disability (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits aren’t always easy to obtain and require people in need to jump through a number of hoops.

SSDI vs. SSI

Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income are easy to confuse because of their similar initials, but these programs have some important differences:

Social Security Disability Income (SSDI)

Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) is an earned benefit for people who have physical and mental impairments that prevent them from working. In order to qualify, the impairments must be expected to last for at least 12 months or until the end of the person’s life.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is only for people who have very limited income and assets. It pays benefits to:

Low-income people who are 65 or older

Adults who are disabled (based on the same criteria used by SSD) or blind

Children who are disabled or blind

Qualifying for Social Security Disability

In order to be eligible for Social Security Disability, you need to have insured status for Social Security. A person achieves insured status by working enough to contribute a certain amount to the Social Security system in the years prior to applying for benefits.

This isn’t the only requirement, however. The Social Security Administration’s rules for SSDI claims are complicated, and the government requires a great deal of paperwork and medical documentation on the part of the applicant.

This can be a good and bad thing: It means that the initial application process is confusing and sometimes overwhelming to a layperson, but it also means that you don’t have to give up hope if you’ve already been denied. An experienced disability attorney can give your case a better chance on appeal by including evidence or paperwork that you missed.

For example, your attorney can:

Contact your doctors for written opinions and updated medical information

Order key medical tests that were missing from your first application

Request that the SSA administer a physical or psychological exam

Whether you’re preparing your initial application or you have already applied and received a denial, you should consider hiring a Social Security Disability attorney who can help you through the process. Throughout the application and hearing stages of your SSDI or SSI claim, an experienced disability attorney can use their knowledge of the SSA’s complex rules to present your case in a favorable light and improve your chances of receiving benefits.

Applying or Been Denied for Social Security? We Can Help

If you need help applying for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you can count on the Law Offices of George A. Malliaros. As Social Security attorneys with years of experience, we’re familiar with all aspects of the Social Security system and we’re ready to help you apply for the benefits you deserve. We handle Social Security cases on a contingent fee arrangement, which means you won’t have to pay any attorney’s fees unless we win your case.

Social Security benefits can make the difference between a financial struggle and a comfortable life with adequate medical care. Instead of trying to get through the stressful process of applying for Social Security on your own, contact the Law Offices of George A. Malliaros. Your first consultation with us is free, so call our offices today at (978) 452-6641 or fill out our online contact form to speak with an attorney at no cost to you.